The bright lights of the city herald adventures to be had, dreams to be chased, and hidden treasures to be discovered. The city hums with possibility and the maze of colourful streets and basement bars become a meeting place for urban nomads, uptown misfits and downtown beatniks to revel in the thrills of the concrete playground. The city is thriving, buzzing and bustling, but as strangers become neighbours in this lively metropolis, the heart of the city beats to one essential drum … KINDNESS.
With this collection Boom Shankar celebrates the diversity of our communities and the acts of kindness that bring us all together.
This week I wanted to introduce you to our other KINDNESS model Sir, and the funky boutique record store you can find in West End (Brisbane), Jet Black Cat Music, which was the perfect location to photograph our 1970s inspired Grand Suit.
Enjoy! xx
Firstly, can you please tell the Boom community a little about yourself?
Hey Boom Community! Sir here! I’m a wandering creative from another planet. I have a big crush on the world and want to explore every corner of it. I work as a model and my favourite downtime is op shopping.
How long have you been modelling and what inspired you to pursue a career in it?
I started as a student photographer, from there I did lots of self portraits, and it’s been 4 years now professionally.
Modelling for me was an outlet with my mental health. Being able to disconnect from my busy mind and focus on creating within a team's hands, allowing the creative process to be physical.
Was there a particular model that inspired you, or even inspires you the most now?
Actually no, I never really idolised models.
Do you have a favourite photographer you really admire the work of? And what is it about their work do you love?
I really love Nick Knight and Helmut Newton. Both their work really captures you and pulls you into another time/world. Both extremely different in obvious ways, modern vs older.
Is there a fashion designer (other than Boom Shankar of course ) that you would love to work with one day, or maybe already have?
I'd love to work with McQueen or Dior.
I remember from the shoot that you’re right into astrology… what sparked your interest in it? Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your connection to it?
Astrology is a form of ancient guidance for humanity from universe, sometimes fun and a little bit confrontational. As I've gotten older, I have realised that I analyse people a lot.. it teaches me the impact on others as well as learning lessons without actually doing them. Observations! Astrology for me links into this and is a bit of amusement. I think there's magic in the world and it's all within energy..so why can't we have a connective power the stars/planets.
What star sign are you? Are there particular “traits” of that sign you feel really resonate with who you are?
I'm Capricorn sun, Pisces moon and Leo rising. For me the way I present myself is Leo, I'm proud but I'm also a bit playful, people can read me wrong. My moon in Pisces which means that I feel everything with huge depth, it's a bit of a contrast to my Sun some would say. Capricorn is known to be a bit black and white, however we are actually very funny/warm people if we know you're going to give us back the same. My signs are all very internally determined and kinda have a controlling attitude.
Our winter collection is called ‘Kindness’… How do you define kindness, or what’s your interpretation of kindness?
Kindness is one of the most important traits in the world! It's everywhere, everything practices kindness. As humans we are capable of showing kindness in so many ways that it should become second nature.
Is there a particular moment in kindness in your life - given, received or even observed - that stands out to you?
Oh I've been shown so much kindness. Most of the time it's when I'm alone...
The universe showed me kindness when I was living on very little money in Japan for a few months, it was freezing and I had not brought warm enough clothes. I had gone in to search the stores for sales.. but in Shibuya, it's expensive. My favourite store to buy pants from was three stories.. I found a pair of jeans on sale, one pair by themselves! In the whole store. On my way home I saw it was kerbside pick up. In Japan they're very clean and had bags under nets. Around the corner from my house there was a bag I could slightly see-through.. I reached my hand in and found a few turtle necks and a vintage HUGE LEVI'S denim/heavy thick layered jacket. It was a very strange evening, but the universe kept me warm with kindness.
What does it mean to live a big, beautiful life?
A big and beautiful life is to be living true to yourself. Understand your impact and let others come along for the ride. Don't close yourself off to the magic.
You can follow Sir on Instagram
What else would you pair the fabulous Grand suit with than a lovely little record store tucked away in the streets of West End. It was the perfect partnership!
Jet Black Cat Music (or JBCM to their mates) is an independent record store living in one of Brisbane's best suburbs. They sell a great range of vinyl, a little merch and host some pretty great instore events there too.
The store is fronted by Shannon Logan and staffed by some of Brisbane's greatest music lovers. The team's extensive knowledge and passion for great music will help you find what you are looking for, even if you don't know what it is yet! You may also find some of them spinning vinyl at various bars around Brisbane - and I highly recommend you go have a listen and drink with them!
JBCM stocks new music from local and international artists who they think are amazing, and they also have an online store if you’re too far away to visit.
Follow Jet Black Cat Music on Instagram or Facebook or jump over to their online store and treat yourself to some new tasty tunes... JBCM Store